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Parish Church of St. Peter, Bexhill-on-Sea

Application Form

CHORAL SCHOLARSHIPS

1)         Choral Scholarships in this renowned Parish Choir are available for young people (male and female) between the age of 14 – 18. These are offered for any voice part (soprano/treble, counter-tenor/female alto, tenor and bass), and are held in conjunction with full-time education. The scholarships are awarded by audition and are tenable for 1 year, but may be extended after re-audition to the same candidate in successive years. Each Scholarship, payable by the Church, is currently £300 per annum, and will be paid at the end of each academic term.

2)         The choir of St. Peter's is of a very high standard, and as such, engages in all sorts of activities that go hand in hand with this - such as concerts and Cathedral visits. The repertoire is of 'Cathedral' standards - and this is all excellent preparation for young people who may want to gain music/vocal scholarships to other schools/universities/Cathedrals when they leave.

3)         Choral Scholars are required (without exception) at all statutory choral services and rehearsals when the choir is singing. The normal weekly timetable is as follows: -     

 THURSDAY             7-8.30pm (Trebles, Choral Scholars and Adults)

                                    8.30-9pm (Choral Scholars and Adults)

SUNDAY                    (am) 9.15 for 9.45am Sung Eucharist

                                    (pm) 5.15 for 6pm Sung Evensong

In addition to this weekly pattern, there are a number of mid-week services (Sung Eucharist) through-out the year to celebrate Feast/Saints days (approx. 10-14 per annum). Time off from these regular duties is agreed well in advance with the Director of Music. 

 The choir also performs a concert every term (usually at St. Peter’s), and sings at a Cathedral every term (usually a single Saturday service) culminating in a week away at a Cathedral in the summer (July/August). The cost of this week would also be subsidised for the Choral Scholars.

  Any ‘extra’ services, such as Weddings and Funerals attract a small fee.

  The choir does sing some services during August (usually only 2 or 3 morning services), but no evensongs and no weekly practices take place. Also, the choir normally has the week after both Christmas and Easter day off.

Prospective candidates should have a promising voice, a reliable ear and a reasonable fluency in sight-singing. The most important factor we are seeking from our Choral Scholars is to provide an encouraging ‘lead’ vocally – particularly to the other, younger trebles in the choir. The simple audition requirements will be: -

a)         Singing two verses of a prepared hymn in your own voice part (one verse unaccompanied).

b)         Looking at an unfamiliar simple anthem with the Director of Music (in your own voice part).

c)         Some simple ear/aural tests. 

Successful candidates will need to display a high level of commitment towards the weekly work of this well resourced choir. They should be in sympathy with the Christian ethos. Preferably, Choral Scholars should be communicant members of the Church of England, but members of other denominations are welcome to apply. 

Candidates should complete the application form and send it to ‘The Director of Music, c/o The Parish Office, St. Peter’s Stables, Church Street, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN40 2HE’. An audition will then be arranged at St. Peter’s for a convenient date/time. For any further information or queries, please contact Dr. Roger Elias (Scholarship Administrator) on (01424) 211176.

Application Form